The Kankakee Valley Airport Authority was formed in 1957.  The location of the airport was chosen South of Kankakee in 1959.  The Greater Kankakee Airport has been officially serving the Kankakee community since 1962.  It is located 50 miles south of downtown Chicago and 70 miles north of Champaign, directly along Interstate 57 at the 308 exit.  The airport is home to over 100 private hangars housing helicopter, singe engine aircraft, ultralights, and turbine powered aircraft.